Folder for use with presentations having variably configurable pocket arrangement

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a folder suitable for use with presentations that is capable of being provided with variable pocket configurations that are produced from separate sheet or laminates or combinations thereof that are imprintable, such as through non-impact printing means. The sheets, laminates or combinations are used in creating personalized pockets on demand for use with presentation folders, document containment devices and other items for which personalized and/or an auxiliary pocket may be useful. The laminates that are used in the creation of pockets for the present invention are created from a first sheet having patterns coated thereon, including patterns of adhesive and release which is then attached to a second or base sheet to protect the adhesive coated portions of the substrate. The patterns of release and adhesive enable the application of the pocket portion to a blank suitable for use in forming a presentation folder or other structure or item for which a pocket may be useful or beneficial. The sheets, laminates and the like may be provided in multiple configurations through the use of die cuts, scores and the like so as to enable the creation of variable pocket configurations, including juxtaposed pockets.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a folder suitable for use with themaking or delivery of presentations that is capable of being providedwith variable pocket configurations that are produced from separatesheet or laminates or combinations thereof that are imprintable, such asthrough non-impact printing means. The sheets, laminates or combinationsare used in creating personalized pockets on demand for use withpresentation folders, document containment devices and other items forwhich personalized and/or an auxiliary pocket may be useful. Thelaminates that are used in the creation of pockets for the presentinvention are created from a first sheet having patterns coated thereon,including patterns of adhesive and release which is then attached to asecond or base sheet to protect the adhesive coated portions of thesubstrate. The patterns of release and adhesive enable the applicationof the pocket portion to a blank suitable for use in forming apresentation folder or other structure or item for which a pocket may beuseful or beneficial. The sheets, laminates and the like may be providedin multiple configurations through the use of die cuts, scores and thelike so as to enable the creation of variable pocket configurations,including juxtaposed pockets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stock folders are generally well known today and are provided in avariety of colors and typically in several standard formats. Such stockproducts are created from a blank of material to which at least one andusually two pockets are provided on the inner face of the blank. Thepockets are generally formed from the same sheet or blank and are thenfolded over onto the blank and sealed to the blank to create thepockets. The blank is then folded, usually centrally, to form tworelatively equal sides.

Such folders are used in a number of applications ranging from academic,such as in elementary, middle school, high school or collegiateenvironment to education purposes including seminars and technicalsymposiums. In addition, folders have also been used in the past to handout information on products and services in the hopes of inducingpurchases or sales of such products or services.

These prior art folders are provided in a broad spectrum of colors andcan even have different finishes such as glossy or a metallic appearancein order to supplement the product of topic offering. In addition, suchprior art products may also be provided with textural or tactilefeatures so as to resemble grains in leather or wood, again all in aneffort to produce or tailor the communication vehicle to the audience orpresenter to garner more attention for the products or services beingoffered.

Examples of such prior art folders include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,870,223,4,109,850, 4,301,962, 4,731,142, 4,989,777 and 5,836,507. Each of theseprior art constructions are constructed from a single blank of material.That is, the portion making up the folder which comprises the pocket,are part of the same blank. The portion which becomes the pocket is thenfolded onto the folder portion to create the pocket portion. Suchconstructions normally require the manufacturer to purchase expensiveand complicated folding equipment in order to process and fold thepocket portion, see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,439,436 and 6,063,226.

One of the difficulties with such stock folder products is that the userof such products must order the folders in large lots or amounts, ormust select from a generic stock inventory that may only have apre-determined number of colors or finish options. If a presenter ordistributor would prefer to have at least limited information printed onthe folder, such as the name of the company or presenter or to havecertain colors or finishes that represent the company, such as toemphasize the trade dress, then the user is stuck with the unfortunateoption of having to order such products in large quantities typicallygreater than 50 and more often in the hundreds as the set up for theproduction or manufacture of folders is complex and orders in thehundreds of units is normally required by the manufacturer due to thecomplexity associated with such set up of equipment. This dilemma hasthwarted the growth of the folder industry and prevented the use of thistool from expanding its communication potential to users of the productas an advertising vehicle.

The foregoing prior art products also suffer from the fact that they arenormally provided only in a few relatively standard configurations,choices of only one or two products having only one or two pockets. Thismay require the presenter to over stuff the pockets provided with thefolder or alternatively to have to distribute multiple folders in orderto achieve the communication that is intended, that is in order todiscuss multiple products or services multiple folders need to beprovided to the attendees of the meeting. In addition, attendees mayalso wish to include materials collected at the event such as notes,brochures or other collateral material and are faced with stuffing thematerial into already tight spaces or simply dropping them internallyfrom the folder which can lead to the materials being lost as they arenot secured by a pocket. The ability to add additional pockets or theability to position pockets in different areas of the folder is simplynot an option or if it is it may be an expensive option requiring themanufacturer to purchase additional equipment, rework existing equipmentor obtain further tooling in order to produce what may only be a singleorder.

The difficulty with current stock folder offerings is that the purchasermust also select from a number of pre-arranged configurations. If allbusiness, products and marketing tools were also standardized, thiswould not be a problem. However, in an effort to market products,marketing and advertising materials come in an array of shapes, sizesand substances. Thus, a standard configuration may not lend itself to anadvertising or marketing message that has a particular “map” orarrangement that requires different pieces to appear in different areas.

Another problem faced by users of such stock folders is that they havevirtually no personalized or individualized information. For example, ina typical introductory business meeting between two entities, theattendees may include an executive, members of sales and marketing andproduction personnel. Distributing the exact same information to eachattendee may result in the information simply being deposited into theattendee's files, instead of the presenter's intent of delivering aspecific message to each participant. Any personalized or individualizedinformation is then limited to the sheets that are included inside thefolders and those specific to a particular attendee may be buried deepwithin myriad of pages of information provided to the attendees.Alternatively, some level of personalization can be applied through theapplication of labels to the exterior of the folder.

Attempts at personalization or individualization have sometimes beenelaborate, such as that illustrated by U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,038 in whicha personalized sheet is printed and then inserted so that thepersonalized information is then visible through die cut windows in theblank. As one might imagine, this limits the amount of personalizationthat can be provided and also requires that the information be alignedwith the windows in the folder assembly so that it is visible. Inaddition, to the steps of folding the blank and the equipment requiredto achieve those tasks, in order to manufacture such a product one needsto add additional die cutting stations and then is faced with thechallenge of inserting the personalized sheet of information. Inpreparing for a meeting, even a small meeting, having to insert 10sheets into 10 different folders can be time consuming, particularly ifone is rushed in trying to get to the meeting.

Publications, patents and patent applications are referred to throughoutthis disclosure. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated byreference.

What is needed therefore is a product that can be produced in aconvenient manner that overcomes the foregoing drawbacks. In addition,what is needed is a product that can be customized and tailored ondemand to the individual needs of a customer or presenter and one whichenables the customer or presenter to convey personalized orindividualized messages so as to increase the impact of the deliveredmaterials and to provide various pocket configurations on demand.Moreover, the ability to provide any number of individual pockets wouldassist in the direct marketing effort to each of the attendees.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention described below are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodimentsare chosen and described so that others skilled in the art mayappreciate and understand the principles and practices of the presentinvention.

The present invention pertains to the creation of folders, morespecifically presentation folders that can be used as a communicationand/or advertising tool. The present invention enables the pieces thatmake up a folder to be provided separately from one another so that eachof the pieces, blanks and pocket types, may be provided withindividualized or personalized information for the end user. The pockettypes may then be formed, where necessary, and placed on the blank ofmaterial to form a folder.

The present invention is directed to the use of imprintable pocketsformed from sheets or laminates and having generally pre-determinedpocket configurations, or first and second pocket types. The sheets orlaminates can be processed through a laser or other non-impact printerto produce a plurality of pockets “on-demand” for the creation ofpersonalized or individualized folders. In other embodiments, the pocketconfigurations of the present invention can be applied to pre-existingdocument retention devices so as to provide additional, supplemental orauxiliary pockets for the device. One type of pocket prepared inaccordance with the present invention may have a generally quadrate orrectilinear shape and the other may have other geometric or animateshapes depending on the needs or desires of the customer or end user.While the term sheet or laminates is used herein and generally refers tosheets having a particular dimension, it should be understood that thesheets and/or laminates suitable for use in forming the pockets may beprovided in a roll or continuous format and need not be sheeted prior toprinting or advancing to the folding station.

In one embodiment of the present invention folder is provided andincludes a blank of material having first and second faces and first andsecond sections. The blank has a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair ofside edges, and the blank of material has a generally uniform thickness.The presently described embodiment provides for at least a first pockettype that is created from a sheet and which has a first configuration.The first configuration sized and configured to fit within at least aportion of the first and second sections of the blank. At least a secondpocket type is also provided and is created from a sheet and that has asecond configuration that is distinct from the first configuration withthe second configuration sized and configured to fit within at least aportion of the first and second sections. Each of the first and secondpocket types are provided independent and separate from the blank ofmaterial such that after the first and second pocket types are formedthey are applied to the blank of material on at least one of the firstand second faces of at least one of the first and second sections.

In a still further embodiment of the present invention a documentcontainment article is described and includes a relatively rigid articlehaving at least one pre-existing document retaining device. At least afirst pocket type is provided and is separate and independent from thearticle and is formable into the first pocket type from a sheet ofmaterial. The first pocket type is sized and configured to receive andhold an item after the pocket type is formed and applied to the article.The first pocket type is applied to the article in such a manner so asto not interfere with the pre-existing document retaining device.

In a yet still further embodiment of the present invention, method forpreparing a folder in accordance with the present invention and includesthe steps of, initially supplying at least one blank having a size andconfiguration suitable for use as a presentation folder. Then providingat least one sheet of material suitable for forming one or more pockettypes. Next, the sheet of material and blank are processed and the sheetis acted upon to form at least one pocket. Finally, the pocket isapplied to the blank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These, as well as other objects and advantages of this invention, willbe more completely understood and appreciated by referring to thefollowing more detailed description of the presently preferred exemplaryembodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, of which:

FIG. 1 depicts a pocket configuration suitable for use with thepresentation folder of the present invention;

FIG. 2 provides an alternate configuration of a pocket to produce avariable pocket arrangement within a presentation folder;

FIG. 2A illustrates a reverse face of the alternate pocket configurationprovided in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 shows a sheet configuration having a number of pre-determined diecuts to produce the alternate pocket configurations of FIGS. 2 and 2A;

FIG. 3A provides a cross section of a laminate suitable for use increating one or more pocket types in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 depicts a presentation folder of the present invention utilizinga series of pocket configurations;

FIG. 5 represents a document containment device to which a variablepocket configuration has been applied; and

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an exemplary method used in preparing afolder in connection with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is now illustrated in greater detail by way of thefollowing detailed description which represents the best presently knownmode of carrying out the invention. However, it should be understoodthat this description is not to be used to limit the present invention,but rather, is provided for the purpose of illustrating the generalfeatures of the invention.

The pockets formable from sheets of material of which exemplaryembodiments are depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A are described in commonlyassigned application; Ser. No. 10/724,250 filed Nov. 26, 2003. Thelaminates that may be used in the formation of pockets suitable for useherein are described in commonly assigned application; Ser. No.10/738,632 filed Dec. 17, 2003. The specifications of each of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

Unexpectedly, it has been found that there is not a simple, efficientmanner in which to create personalized presentation folders which can beproduced in either small quantities, such as by a manufacturer ofprinted products or by a small office or home office (“SOHO”) forpresenting products or services or by an independent user, such as astudent in preparation for a report for school or a small businessperson or sales person for presentation to a potential client.

As used herein, the term “adhesive” includes, but is not limited tostrips, patterns, segments, shapes, spots, continuous arrangements,discontinuous arrangements and combinations thereof. The type ofadhesive that may be used includes but is not limited to repositionable,removable, permanent, remoistenable, hot melt, pressure seal (cohesive),cold glues and combinations and mixtures thereof. The present inventionmay also include adhesive strips that are provided in the form oftransfer tapes, pressure sensitive tapes and the like which usually willhave a removable release liner, which when removed will expose and/oractivate the adhesive that can be used to form a sealing arrangement.

The term “document containment device or article” as used hereinincludes portfolios, notebooks, binders, clipboards, sleeves, folders,envelopes, accordion folders and the like.

The printing or imaging that is envisioned in connection with thepresent invention can be provided on one or both faces of the sheet orlaminate. The information to be provided is generally intended to bepersonalized or individualized so that each attendee of a businessmeeting can receive a specially tailored message, however, it may alsocontain fixed or static information or combinations of both. Forexample, a normal introductory business meeting, the attendees from thetarget company (company that is being targeted for the sale of goods orservices) may have an executive present, members of the sales andmarketing team as well as production personnel in attendance to considerthe information being provided. The presenter ideally wants to deliver aunique message to each person or group in the audience and is onlyoffered a short period of time to accomplish this task, and usuallydevotes most of the period to “walking through” a visual presentation.However, through the use of the present invention, the presenter candeliver personalized or individualized information to each group whilestill focusing on delivering the information to the group. For example,information for sales and marketing may relate to increased sales andcommissions or sales strategies for selling the product. Productionpersonnel may receive information relating to efficient manufacturingtechniques and other products for which the services may be used with aswell as contact numbers for support and other technical data. Theexecutive may only receive summary or overview information and financialnumbers relating to the impact of the divisional bottom line. Thus eachperson is provided with a unique package of information that is tailoredto his or her specific talents thereby potentially increasing thechances of success of the presentation. It should be understood that inaddition to personalized or individualized information, the sheet orlaminate of the present invention may also include static, fixed orregularly repeating information (such as information printed on eachfolder to be presented).

Each panel or section of the presentation folder or folder page will inone exemplary embodiment have a width of approximately 9 inches and alength of about 12 inches. Together, two panels are generally requiredto create a presentation folder with the overall dimensions runningabout twelve inches high by eighteen inches wide. One pocket type formedfrom the sheet or laminate of the present invention will have a heightof around 4″ to 4¼″ and a width of up to 9 inches, which resembles arelatively standard rectilinear or generally quadrate pocketconfiguration.

The other or second pocket type of the present invention may have anydimension or shape depending on the desire or intended use of the enduser or customer. In addition, the pocket type may be confined within anarea of just one panel or section or may extend across both panels orsections or portions thereof. The second pocket type may be smaller thanthe first pocket type so that it can serve to carry supplementalmaterial such as business cards, discs, diskettes, samples, prizes andother collateral material which may be too small to be placed in alarger pocket. It should be understood that the second pocket may alsobe larger than the first pocket so as to be able to accommodate bulkiersheets or materials.

The foregoing dimensions are used when preparing a standardconfiguration presentation folder. That is, each panel of the blank runsabout 12″ high and about 9″ wide with the pocket having a length ofabout 9″ and a height of around 4″. Obviously, other dimensions arepossible and would simply require the repositioning of the adhesiveareas, lines of weakness, etc. on the sheet or the use of differentsized sheets of material. The pocket of the presently describedembodiment is sized and configured so that it can receive and retain astandard size sheet of paper in a portrait arrangement (8½″ side placedin the pocket which has a width of approximately 9″). The sheets orlaminates as used herein may be provided in a cut sheet arrangement ormay be obtained in a continuous or roll format.

FIG. 1 depicts a sheet of material generally designated by reference tothe numeral 10. The sheet 10 may be of any suitable material such aspaper, plastic films, metalized films or any other material that can beused to accomplish the functions of the present invention. The sheet 10has a first face designated by “A” and a second face (not shown) whichwill make up the interior of the pocket once the sheet is folded.Printing 11 is provided on face A and is personalized or individualizedprinting intended for the recipient or user of the pocket and isgenerally intended to be complimentary to indicia or printing providedon the folder blank or document containment device. It should beunderstood that printing can be provided on both panels 13 and 15 oronly on one of the panels. When printing is provided on both panels 13and 15, printing on one of the panels will appear upside down such thatwhen the sheet 10 is folded, it will then appear right side up, as thepanels 13 and 15 will be in a back to back configuration.

The sheet of material provided in FIG. 1 may be manufactured from astandard sheet size such as 8½″ by 11″. The panels after forming havinga length of approximately 9 inches, with each of the end portions beingroughly an inch wide, and having a height of around 4″ to 4¼″. Theforegoing dimensions are used when preparing a standard configuration orfirst type of pocket for use with the presentation folder. That is, eachpanel of the blank runs about 12″ high and about 9″ wide with the pockethaving a length of about 9″ and a height of around 4″ to produce arelatively rectangular or quadrate configuration. Obviously, otherdimensions are possible and would simply require the repositioning ofthe adhesive areas, lines of weakness, etc. on the sheet or use ofdifferent sized sheets of material. The pocket of the presentlydescribed embodiment is sized and configured so that it can receive andretain a standard size sheet of paper in a portrait arrangement (8½″side placed in the pocket which has a width of approximately 9″).

As depicted in FIG. 1, the printing on the second panel 15 can be usedto contain information relating to a prize or award so that upon movingthe pocket in a hinged configuration, the attendee can see if they won aprize. Alternative embodiment include the use of the second panel 15 foradditional printable area to convey a message, coupons, contactinformation and any other information that may be suitable for inclusionwith the particular message being presented.

The sheet 10 has first and second transversely extending edges 12 and14, and first and second longitudinally extending edges 16 and 18. Thesheet is also provided with first and second strips of adhesive 20 and22. Each of the strips of adhesive 20 and 22 have first and second sideedges 21, 23 and 25 and 27 which define the area of the adhesive. Asindicated previously, the adhesive may be selected from any suitabletype, and in the presently described embodiment, the adhesive strips arepreferably pressure sensitive tapes that are provided with a releaseliner that can be removed at the time of folding and/or attachment tothe blank to make up the presentation folder.

The sheet 10 is also provided with a fold line 24. While FIG. 1 depictsthe fold line substantially medially of the sheet, while the sheet is ina landscape position, it should be understood that the fold line 24 mayappear in any portion of the sheet so as to create major and minor wallsor portions (one larger than the other, that is one having more than 50%of the material). In addition, the sheet may appear in a portraitposition or the fold line may run diagonally of the sheet so as tocreate other possible arrangements for the pocket of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1 also shows a portion of the adhesive strips 22* and 23* removedso that a pocket configuration can be created. In forming therectangular or generally quadrate pocket of the present invention, thesheet material is folded about fold line 24 and one of the remainingadhesive strips is folded inwardly about an end edge so that adhesivecomes into contact with the section of the face from which the portionof the adhesive strip was removed. By folding the flap inwardly, theadhesive thus forms a closed end edge. The second flap may then befolded in the opposite direction so that the pocket can be applied oraffixed to the blank forming the folder. Alternatively, the flap mayremain in its extended configuration and connected to the blank.Exposure and application of adhesive would be readily understood bythose with skill in the art to accomplish this arrangement. Depending onthe attachment of the additional flap, the pocket may be hinged into andout of alignment with the blank as can be further seen in commonlyassigned, co-pending application Ser. No. 10/724,250, filed Nov. 26,2003.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 2A which depict a second pocket type as maybe prepared for use in the present invention. The configurationsdepicted illustrate roughly a triangle, but it should be understood thatvarious geometric and animate shapes are possible and would require theuse of specific dies to obtain the shapes of the pockets to be formed.

The second pocket types are generally depicted by reference to numeral50 and have first and second sides, illustrated by letters A and B. Thesecond pocket type 50 has a fold line 52 which is shown extendingsubstantially medially of the construction. It should be understood,that the fold line 52 may appear in any portion of the constructiondepending on the ultimate configuration requested by the end user orcustomer of the construction. The second pocket type 50 is provided withfirst and second flaps or tabs 54 and 56 that extend generally outwardlyfrom end edge 51. On one side of the pocket 50, shown as the “B” face,adhesive 58 is provided. As above, any suitable type of adhesive may beused to create the pocket and secure the pocket 50 to the blank as willbe shown in later FIGURES. In one embodiment, pressure sensitiveadhesive is used.

In order to form the pocket 50, the sheet material is folded about foldline 52. One of the first and second tabs 54 and 56 is folded inwardlyof face B and about end edge 51 so as to come into direct contact withface B. The adhesive 58 is used to secure the faces of B to one anotherto create a sealed end edge thus forming the pocket. The other of thefirst and second tabs 54 and 56 is then folded in the opposite directionaround end line 51 so that the exposed adhesive may be brought intocontact with one of the faces and one of the sections of the blank.

FIG. 3 provides an exemplary sheet 70 of pocket configurations 71, 72,73 and 74. The FIGURE illustrates that a plurality of pocketconfigurations may be provided on a single sheet so that the user,individual or manufacturer of the folder may select and process anynumber of pockets 71 through 74 for use in forming the folder of thepresent invention. Each of the pockets are separable from the sheetthrough the use of die cuts, scores and other means as are commonlyknown and understood in the industry. Processing, includes but is notlimited to imaging, printing, applying graphics, labels or othersupplementary materials. It may also include folding, additional diecutting or scoring, folding and the like.

FIG. 3A shows a cross section of an exemplary pressure sensitivelaminate that is used in creating pockets suitable for the presentinvention. The pressure sensitive laminate normally has a top sheet 80that is capable of receiving printing, imaging, graphics and the like.The top sheet 80 is provided with a coating of adhesive 82 on onesurface, typically the surface that is away from the printing or imagingequipment. A backing sheet 86 is also provided and includes a releasecoating 84, typically silicone, in areas where the adhesive 82 contactsthe base sheet and where the upper sheet is intended to be removed fromthe base sheet. The base sheet 86 may be completely coated with releasematerial or alternatively may have only a pattern of release materialthat corresponds to the pattern of adhesive that is provided on the facesheet 80.

Next, attention is directed to FIG. 4 which generally depicts a folder100 having a series of pockets applied thereto. The folder isconstructed from a blank 110 of material. The material used inconstructing the blank may be selected from cellulosic stock (paper,fiber board, card board, paper board, corrugated, tag and card stock andthe like) or may be films (plastic or metal) or other material that issuitable for forming folders and the like. The blank 110 is generallyplanar and has a uniform thickness throughout the blank. The blank 110has first and second panels or sections 120 and 130, first and secondlongitudinally extending side edges 125 and 135, a top edge 122 and abottom edge 124 and is folded about a fold line 126. The blank has afirst face A and a second face (not shown).

The folder 100 is provided with a number of first pocket typesdesignated by reference numeral 140 and second pocket types designatedby reference numeral 150. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the second type ofpockets can be juxtaposed on the first pocket, see panels 120 and 130 ormay be provided apart from one another, see section 130. Placement ofthe pockets 140 and 150 can be determined either prior to manufacture ofthe folder of can occur during manufacture or subsequent to themanufacture. The ability to produce a number of variable pockets ondemand and place the pockets in any desirable arrangements enables theend user to create a personalized and individualized folder assembly.

As discussed previously, the pockets 140 and 150 as well as the blank110 may be provided with printing or imaging designated by referencenumeral 160. The printing may be personalized for each folder that isbeing produced or it may contain elements of personalized information incombination with static information or areas that may have staticinformation and other areas of personalized information. Printing can beaccomplished by ink jet, laser, ion deposition and other suitable means.Again, the present invention lends itself to a large degree ofvariability and flexibility by the user of the sheets, laminates andblanks used to form the folder.

FIG. 5 shows a document containment device or article generally depictedby reference to numeral 200. The document containment article includes adocument containment retaining device 210, depicted as rings to retainsheets of paper or the like within the article. The device 200 has beenprovided with a plurality of pockets 220 and 230 which are positioned onthe article 200 in a manner so as to not interfere with the operation ofthe retaining device 210. With the supplemental pockets 220 and 230additional items can be retained in the article 200 where previously itmay not have been possible. In addition, other embodiments are alsopossible, for example slits or cuts 240 are provided in a pocket 230 sothat a diskette, business card or other item may be held in a removableconfiguration with the pocket, thereby increasing the ability to retainother items that the user of the device may find of value.

FIG. 6 presents a block diagram relating to an exemplary method forproducing the present invention. Initially, a blank of material issupplied at step 300. Next, one or more sheets or laminates of material,as described in connection with FIGS. 1-3A are provided at step 310depending on the ultimate configuration that the folder is to have uponcompletion of the manufacturing sequence.

The sheets and/or laminates of material that will be used in theformation of the pockets for the folder as well as the blank that is tobe used for the folder may undergo processing at step 320. Theprocessing may include printing, imaging, folding, coating or the like.Where printing or imaging is provided data is supplied from a data baseat step 325. The data base may be resident at the manufacturing locationor the information may be received from a location that is remote fromthe manufacturing site.

Next, the sheets and or laminates are acted upon at step 330 to createone or more pockets to be used in connection with the invention. At thisstep, the pockets, where they are formed from a laminate, are removedand then folded to create a pocket. Where they are produced from asheet, no removal from a base sheet is normally required and the sheetcan be folded and prepared for the next step. However, separation orremoval of portions of the adhesive strips may be necessary. The pocketswill typically have one sealed end edge and one open end edge which hasa tab or flap that is used to secure the pocket to the blank to createthe folder.

After the pockets have been formed as provided in step 330, the pocketsare then placed on the blank in step 340. Placement of the pockets onthe blanks can be a matter of personal choice, such as a folder to becreated for a single use or individual or the pockets can be used tocreate several similar folders such as might be needed for a meeting orthe like. In preparing several similar folder arrangements, thepresenter can still add additional pockets to make each folder differentfrom all the others so as to be able to concentrate the appropriate partof the message on the specific individual in attendance at the meeting.

The pockets suitable for use with the present invention may be appliedto a single panel or section of the blank or alternatively can stretchacross both of the sections. In addition, the pockets may be disposed ina juxtaposed arrangement or positioned so as to have an overlappingconfiguration or relationship with other pockets, as was provided forexample in FIG. 4.

Through use of the present invention, marketing, advertising,communications, educational and professional topics can be delivered ina much more efficient manner as the personalized folders can bepresented to each prospective client, participant or recipient.

It will thus be seen according to the present invention a highlyadvantageous variable pocket configurations produced from sheets orlaminates for use with presentation folders and binders has beenprovided. While the invention has been described in connection with whatis presently considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiment, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment,that many modifications and equivalent arrangements may be made thereofwithin the scope of the invention, which scope is to be accorded thebroadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass allequivalent structures and products.

The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine ofEquivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of theirinvention as it pertains to any apparatus, system, method or article notmaterially departing from but outside the literal scope of the inventionas set out in the following claims.

1. A folder, comprising; a blank of material having first and secondfaces and first and second sections, said blank having a top edge, abottom edge and a pair of side edges, and said blank is composed ofmaterial having a generally uniform thickness; at least one of a firstpocket type created from a sheet and having a first configuration, withsaid first configuration sized and configured to fit within at least aportion of one of said first and second sections; at least one of asecond pocket type created from a sheet and having a secondconfiguration distinct from said first configuration with said secondconfiguration sized and configured to fit within at least a portion ofone of said first and second sections; said first and second pockettypes are provided independent and separate from said blank of material;and said first and second pocket types after forming are applied to saidblank of material on at least one of said first and second faces of atleast one of said first and second sections.
 2. A folder as recited inclaim 1, wherein one of said first and second sheets is prepared from alaminate.
 3. A folder as recited in claim 1, wherein one of said secondpocket type is juxtaposed over a portion of said first pocket type.
 4. Afolder as recited in claim 1, wherein said blank of material is providedwith a line separating said blank into said first and second sections.5. A folder as recited in claim 1, wherein said folder is suitable foruse as a presentation folder.
 6. A folder as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid first and second pocket types are provided in a single sheet.
 7. Afolder as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second pocket typesare provided in a continuous or roll format.
 8. A folder as recited inclaim 1, wherein said first and second pocket types are provided fromfirst and second sheets that are separate and distinct from one another.9. A folder as recited in claim 1, wherein said first pocket type isgenerally quadrate and said second pocket type has a non-quadrate shape.10. A folder as recited in claim 1, wherein one of said first and secondpocket types is provided with additional slits or cuts so as to be ableto hold cards, diskettes and other supplemental material on an externalface of said one pocket.
 11. A folder as recited in claim 1, wherein atleast one of said first and second pocket types is provided withprinting or imaging.
 12. A folder as recited in claim 11, wherein saidprinting or imaging on said at least one pocket type is complimentary toprinting or imaging on said blank.
 13. A document containment article,comprising; a relatively rigid article having at least one pre-existingdocument retaining device; at least one of a first pocket type isprovided and is separate and independent from said article and which isformable into said first pocket type from a sheet of material, saidfirst pocket type is sized and configured to receive and hold an itemafter said pocket type is formed and applied to said article; and saidfirst pocket type is applied to said article in such a manner so as tonot interfere with said pre-existing document retaining device.
 14. Adocument containment article as recited in claim 13, wherein at leastone of a second pocket type is provided for attachment to said articlewith said second pocket type having a different shape than said firstpocket type.
 15. A document containment article as recited in claim 14,wherein at least one of said first and second pocket types is providedwith printing or imaging.
 16. A document containment article as recitedin claim 15, wherein said printing or imaging on said one of said firstand second pocket types is complimentary to printing on said article.17. A method for preparing a folder, comprising the steps of; supplyingat least one blank having a size and configuration suitable for use as apresentation folder; providing at least one sheet of material suitablefor forming one or more pocket types; processing said sheet of materialand said blank; acting on said sheet to form at least one pocket;applying said at least one pocket to said blank.
 18. A method as recitedin claim 17, wherein the step of processing includes printing orimaging.
 19. A method as recited in claim 17, wherein the step ofprocessing includes folding said blank.
 20. A method as recited in claim17, wherein the step of acting includes forming said sheet material intoa pocket by folding.
 21. A method as recited in claim 17, wherein saidsheet material is provided with a series of die cuts to createpredetermined areas defining at least one separable pocket.